Tiger Woods Returns to Winning Ways at Bay Hill, Eyes Augusta

Unlike most men, Tiger Woods’ dry spell didn’t begin until his marriage ended.

Call it what you will—shifted priorities, off-course distractions, swing changes, or confidence issues—Woods spent the last two-and-a-half years removed from the winner’s circle, an unprecedented period for perhaps the best player in the history of the game.

And with a convincing performance at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the “Tiger Woods will never be the same” talk suddenly went poof.

It was all there – the images we’ve come to associate with “the Tiger of old”—the post impact club twirl (no need to follow the ball’s flight), the staring down of any putt under 10-feet—this win was vintage Tiger.

His second-round 65 was the round of the week, clearing showing the field that Tiger’s 6th gear is still intact when his swing is clicking. Yesterday’s 70 looked a lot more like a 66 in tough conditions.

For the most part, Woods was solid off the tee, his irons were the best I’ve seen them since his drought began, and the putter was nearly flawless.

As Woods stood over a short birdie putt on the back nine yesterday not only did he know it was going in, but he had me knowing it was in as well. It’s been a long time since I can say that he’s given me that feeling, but his posture and mannerisms left little doubt.

With the win, Tiger also moves up to 7th in the World, meaning a streak of competitive play will help him once again compete for the title of best in the world.

Perhaps more importantly, the sense of relief that he feels will likely only help him play better. If there were any confidence issues, any lingering questions in his head in the clutch (I doubt there were), those questions have now been answered.

So now the question everyone wants an answer to: Does this make Tiger the favorite heading into the Masters? I don’t think so. Luke Donald, the current World #1, has 16 top-10 finishes in his last 22 starts. He’s my favorite, far and away.

While Tiger did show that “he’s back” yesterday, that doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s going to have it week in and week out – it takes some time to develop that type of consistency after any swing change.

But would I be surprised to see him in contention on the back 9 on Sunday? No, absolutely not—and golf is better for it.

Geoff Roberts is the Founder & Managing Editor of howiGit.com, a Boston sports blog.